The merger of WB and Netflix has reasonably cast doubt on the future of theatrical releases, especially the former’s upcoming slate, which includes Tom Cruise‘s next major venture from director Alejandro G. Iñárritu.
In April of this year, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos doubled down on his stance regarding streaming, voicing issues with traditional theatrical release models. At the Time100 Summit, he said, (via Variety).
What is the consumer trying to tell us? That they’d like to watch movies at home, thank you. The studios and the theaters are duking it out over trying to preserve this 45-day window that is completely out of step with the consumer experience of just loving a movie
The project, currently titled Judy, is the first movie to emerge from Cruise’s 2024 deal with WB, and the merger has understandably raised doubts about the movie’s theatrical prospects.
The Netflix Merger Could Affect Tom Cruise’s WB Deal
Cruise’s love for the big screen experience and Netflix’s business model don’t exactly bode well, which is concerning given the former’s WB deal. Back in 2024, the Mission: Impossible star joined forces with the prestigious studio to “develop and produce original and franchise theatrical films”.
But with Netflix’s acquisition of WB in motion, it’s unclear whether they would be inclined to prioritize the theatrical experience. While the Cruise-led movie from The Revenant filmmaker is expected to see a theatrical run like other WB titles in production, it won’t be surprising if Cruise opts to walk away from this partnership after this project.
Given the sheer contrast between Netflix’s philosophy and Cruise’s approach to movies, it’s hard to imagine their deal moving smoothly under the new regime.
Will Tom Cruise’s Next Movie Enjoy a Traditional Theatrical Window?
WB to merge with Netflix | Credits: Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc
As mentioned above, the movie will likely head to theaters, as Sarandos shared that he isn’t entirely against the big screen experience (via Deadline). However, he has once again highlighted his distaste for the robust traditional theatrical runs, which WB titles have become accustomed to.
Although Sarandos suggested that these release windows will eventually become shorter over time, for now, the upcoming WB movies will proceed as planned, meaning a proper theatrical release is likely for Cruise’s movie.
I’d say that right now you should count on everything that has planned on going to the theaters through Warner Bros. will continue to go to the theaters through Warner Bros. And Netflix movies will take the same [path] as they have — which is some of them do have a short run in the theater beforehand.
Beyond this movie, however, it’s unlikely that Cruise, arguably the biggest advocate for cinema, will stay on board under this new regime unless Netflix leaves WB’s release model unperturbed.
What are your thoughts on Cruise’s upcoming movie? Comment below!
Judy (Working Title) is slated to release on October 2, 2026
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